Press Release

Bill Ward, drummer and founding member of Black Sabbath, has announced that 1,000 Limited Edition CD-singles of “Straws” the song he wrote and recorded to express his concerns regarding the war with Iraq and the escalation of terrorism, will be available exclusively on his web site, www.billward.com, beginning on Veterans Day, November 11, 2003.

Each “Straws” CD-single is numbered and autographed by Ward, and all proceeds will be donated to the charity of each purchaser’s choice from the following five organizations: the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the Alice Faith Mittelman Foundation, the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, the National Veterans Foundation, and the Inner City Music Program (Bands not Gangs) Los Angeles.

A total of 2,200 copies of the Limited Edition “Straws” CD-singles were produced in all, with Ward servicing 1,200 copies to governmental heads of state throughout the world, humanitarian organizations, peace support groups, media outlets and fellow musicians. Among those who have received the special package are President George W. Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and members of the United States Congress. ###